HOW TO HANDLE METEORITES

HOW TO HANDLE METEORITES

HOW TO HANDLE METEORITES

AUTHOR

Dr. Marc Fries

LAST UPDATED

9/10/2018 @ 10:26 AM

AUTHOR

Dr. Marc Fries

LAST UPDATED

9/10/2018 @ 10:26 AM

First and foremost, meteorites are not harmful to humans or to any terrestrial life.
Meteorite handling procedures are designed to protect the meteorite from terrestrial
contamination and alteration, not to protect people from meteorites. The goal of proper
meteorite handling is to minimize harm to the meteorites to preserve their scientific and
aesthetic qualities.

First and foremost, meteorites are not harmful to humans or to any terrestrial life.
Meteorite handling procedures are designed to protect the meteorite from terrestrial
contamination and alteration, not to protect people from meteorites. The goal of proper
meteorite handling is to minimize harm to the meteorites to preserve their scientific and
aesthetic qualities.

WHAT TO DO

WHAT TO DO

Collect and handle meteorites using clean gloves, tongs, or new aluminum foil.
Common, household aluminum foil is a reasonable and inexpensive means to handle
meteorites. Simply tear a fresh piece of foil off of the roll and pick up the
meteorite with it. You can keep the foil wrapped around the meteorite indefinitely.

Keep the meteorite clean and dry. You can place it in a zip-lock bag to offer it
a measure of protection against atmospheric humidity. Moisture absorption packages
are beneficial as well. If you use one of these, place it in the bag but keep it
out of direct contact with the meteorite. Keep the meteorite wrapped in aluminum
foil, place a dessicant package in the bag with it, and keep it sealed.

WHAT NOT TO DO

WHAT NOT TO DO

Try not to handle any freshly fallen meteorites with your bare hands! Oils and microbes
from your skin will slowly degrade the surface of a meteorite, dulling the fusion crust,
contaminating the meteorite, and promoting rust. The contamination aspect is especially
important for carbonaceous meteorites and other uncommon types.

WHO TO CONTACT

WHO TO CONTACT

There are numerous institutions from all around the world who are currently accepting
and analyzing meteorite finds. For the complete list of organizations, go to:

The Meteoritical Society / Collections & Repositories

WHAT ABOUT NASA?

WHAT ABOUT NASA?

NASA's meteorite analysis assets are currently fully engaged and cannot
accommodate publically-acquired specimens. Please send your specimen to
one of the collections or repositories listed on the Meteoritical Society
website (the link above).

Your contribution will be greatly appreciated by these
organizations and the broader scientific community.

Your contribution will be greatly appreciated by these
organizations and the broader scientific community.